Care Sheet - Blue-Tailed Monitor (Varanus doreanus)

Cites status: Cites Appendix II, obligation to keep records and to register!
Habitat: Blue tail monitors are found on New Guinea and some of the
surrounding islands. These lizards are closely related to the peach throat
monitor and the mangrove monitor. Each of the three species of monitor lizards
utilizes different habitats in New Guinea. Blue tail monitors can usually be found
near open forests, riverbanks, and fallen trees. Sub-adult and juvenile blue tail
monitors can be found in trees, while adults are typically found on the ground.
With proper feeding, blue tail monitors grow quickly and adults can reach 4-5 feet
in total length. With proper care blue tails can live 10-15 years in captivity. Like
most monitors, blue tails are nervous captives and may take some time to tame
down. Ideally, the cage should include multiple hiding spots to provide a sense
of security.
Size: 120 to 160 cm
Life Expectancy: Over 15 years
Reproduction: There is no information on breeding.
Temperature: Blue tail monitors should be maintained between 29-32C with a
basking spot of 35 C. At night the temperature can drop to 24C.
Humidity: 70-90% the use of a sprinkler system like the Lucky Reptile Super
Rain or Super Fog, which can be controlled with Humidity Control or Pro Timer is
advised.
Lighting: Hours of daylight should be 12Light/12Dark during a 24 hour period.,

Daylight Sun spotlight in combination with a UV Light Strip similar to the Exo
Terra Repti Glo 2 or 5 and a Spotlight. Additional UV lighting e.g. Compact Sun
UV.
UVB lighting is not a must for monitors, but is recommended. UVB lighting
enables reptiles to metabolize calcium, by creating Vitamin D3. However,
because their diet consists of rodents and other live prey, they can usually
receive enough D3 and calcium through their diet. The bones of the prey will
provide calcium, while the liver will provide Vitamin D3. Also it is very important to
change your UVB light every 6-8 months, after this time the light stops producing
adequate UVB
Substrate: Eco Bark or a similar
Dcor: Planting with sturdy plants is not only for decoration but also a shelter. A
large water tray or cat litter tray should be included in the vivarium/Terrarium.
Vivarium/Terrarium Size: 300x120x200 cm (LxWxH) [120x48x120]
Recommended for an adult.
Baby blue tail monitors can be kept in a 29 gallon cage but they grow quickly and
will soon need larger housing. Adult blue tail monitors should be kept in a cage
that is at least 6 x 2 x 4.
Food: Blue tail monitors are opportunistic hunters and are known to eat almost
anything. Ideal foods are; mice, rats, fish, crawdads, crickets, superworms,
earthworms, beef heart, and hard boiled eggs. A mixed diet of these food items,
four to five times per week, is ideal and will ensure proper growth and health.
Insects e.g. crickets, locusts, cockroaches, wax moth etc, mice, and fish. Adult
animals should be fed with about 50% fish.
Comments: Not very often kept, therefore there is little information available.
John Gamesby